Retreatments after multifocal intraocular lens implantation: an analysis

Chart review shows reasons for retreatment after multifocal implantation

Among patients who undergo multifocal IOL implantation, ametropia and residual astigmatism were the main reasons for retreatment to improve symptoms, according to the findings of this retrospective study. The chart review study involved 416 eyes of 209 patients from one site that underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery with multifocal IOL implantation. It showed that the multifocal retreatment rate was 10.8% (45/416 eyes). In those requiring retreatment, refractive-related complaints were most common. They had significantly higher residual refractive astigmatism compared with those who did not require retreatment (1.21±0.51 D vs 0.51±0.39 D, P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the retreatment rate for the two most commonly implanted primary IOLs, blended bifocal (10.5%, 16/152) and bilateral trifocal (6.9 per cent, 14/202) IOLs. Refractive corneal surgery, performed in 11per cent of the retreated eyes, and piggyback IOLs implanted in 89 per cent of the retreated eyes, were both successful in improving patient complaints 78 per cent of the time.